We're famous!!

Well, lots has happened here in Mississippi over the last few days. We began our day like any other visiting the last few homes in Pearlington. However, we finished in the early afternoon to prepare for the arrival of Mississippi Congressman Gene Taylor. We were on the news that evening! In addition to being very attractive, the congressman had some very insightful things to say.

First of all it was very exciting to hear the governmental side of the hurricane Katrina story and the recovery effort. Surprisingly, the stories were not that dissimilar. The congressman was actually a victim himself, losing all his possessions as well and jumping right into the recovery effort. He told the stories of the destruction in great detail and in a very moving way. He and his son rode around on a boat and dodged the tops of the pine trees that were rising above the water line! The best part of the experience was the ability of the students to take the information we gleaned throughout our week and ask our questions and concerns to the congressman. The congressman especially addressed the problems of insurance and legislation.

In terms of the insurance, the main problem was that residents would own homeowner's insurance, but no flood insurance since they were not in the flood zone. Thus the insurance companies got together and decided not to pay for homeowner's damage and wind damage. Rather, they claimed all destruction was due to the water. The congressman jovially stated that his tin roof was not moved across the lawn by water alone. However, this leaves many without insurance coverage and reimbursement for their great damage.

After the visit it gave us a new insight. The government is not the bad guy all the time. In fact, some facets are really working with the area to help rebuild. Thus, it is our duty to provide our insight and our recommendations which are based upon the words of the residents themselves. Hopefully that is what our time here will accomplish.
~Danielle